Fishing reel bearing and component support structure

ABSTRACT

Fishing reel bearings curtail deterioration in rotational performance, and improve anti-corrosiveness, as well as make it easier to wash the bearings without incurring internal component corrosion. Dual-bearing reel bearing—a bearing provided between a boss, and a spool shaft disposed to the circumferentially inner side of, and rotational relative to, the boss—is furnished with an outer race, an inner race, and a plurality of rolling bodies. The outer race is fitted into the boss. The inner race is fitted in the spool, disposed parted at a clearance from the outer race. Between the two races, the rolling bodies of the plurality are disposed, circumferentially spaced and contacting both the races. The outer race, the inner race, and the rolling bodies are SUS 440C manufactures coated with a highly corrosion-resistant film.

This is a National phase application based on the InternationalApplication PCT/JP01/07972, which was filed on Sep. 31, 2001 andpublished in English on Apr. 11, 2002.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to bearings and component supportstructures; in particular to fishing reel bearings and component supportstructures that are provided between a first component and secondcomponent disposed to the circumferentially inner side of and rotationalrelative to the first component, in fishing reels such as spinning reelsand dual-bearing reels.

BACKGROUND ART

Numerous rotary components, such as rotors, spools and handle shafts,that rotate relative to the reel body or against other components areemployed in fishing reels such as spinning reels and dual-bearing reels.Support on bearings lets rotary components of this sort rotate in thereel body or against other components. Ball bearings are often used infishing reels as the bearings that support these rotary components.

Because fishing reels are generally used in an atmosphere in whichmoisture clings to and is liable to corrode ball bearings, improvingtheir resistance to corrosion is desirable. Rust-withstanding stainlesssteels have been used conventionally to improve the corrosion resistanceof ball bearings, especially as the material for ball bearings employedin fishing reels used for ocean fishing.

Taking rotational performance and cost into consideration, among thestainless steels, grade SUS440C (JIS), which can be hardened, is oftenemployed for the rolling bodies in ball bearings. That is, SUS 440Csustains high rotational performance because it is sufficientlyhigh-strength and impact-resistant for bearing applications, andmaintains high machining precision. Nevertheless, a problem with SUS440Cis that, compared to austenites such as grade SUS304 and SUS316 amongcarbon steels, though it is harder its corrosion resistance is lower.Therefore, if SUS 440C is to be employed for the rolling bodies in aball bearing, the bearing as a unit should have a water-resistantstructure in order to prevent corrosion. To lend the bearing awater-resistant structure, rubber-seal type ball bearings in which asealing element made of rubber is fitted in between the inner and outerraces, contacting both, are often used. The sealing element inrubber-seal type ball bearings is fitted at least on the ball-bearingside where liquids invade.

Preventing corrosion with a sealed bearing will mean that the sealingelement contacting the inner/outer races places a higher rotational loadon the bearing, which degrades rotational performance. To sustainrotational performance a non-contact sealing element could be employed,but sealing performance is poor with bearings having non-contactingsealing elements, and in fishing reels for ocean fishing in particular,corrosion resistance is not sufficient.

Meanwhile, disposing the seal element on the side of the bearings wherethe reel is subject to invasion by liquids is effective for preventingcorrosion. Nevertheless dousing the reel with water from a hose to washit after having ocean fished, for example, will not rinse the bearings,since water will not permeate to the bearing. Of course, rinsing thebearings is possible if the seal is not provided, but that riskscorrosion and caustic erosion of the reel interior components arisingwhen the washing water forces inside the reel salt deposits remnant onthe exterior.

DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION

An issue for the present invention is in curtailing deterioration inrotational performance and improving bearing anti-corrosiveness.

A separate issue for the present invention is in making it easier towash the bearings without incurring internal component corrosion.

A fishing-reel bearing in terms of the first invention is a fishing-reelbearing provided between a first component and a second component,disposed to the circumferentially inner side of and rotational relativeto the first component, in a fishing-reel, and is furnished with anouter race, and inner race, and a plurality of rolling bodies. The outerrace is fitted to the first component. The inner race is fitted to thesecond component and is disposed parted at a clearance from the outerrace. Between the two races, the rolling bodies of the plurality aredisposed, circumferentially spaced and contacting both the races. Atleast the rolling bodies, among the inner race, the outer race and therolling bodies, are manufactured from a highly corrosion-resistantingredient, or are metal manufactures coated with a highlycorrosion-resistant coating film.

When either of the two components rotates relative to the other, eitherthe inner race or the outer race rotates relative to the other, and therolling bodies, riding on both the rollers, is roll spaced apart whilegyrating and orbiting. Herein, the fact that at least the rolling bodiesare manufactured with a highly anti-corrosive ingredient or else aremetal manufactures coated with a highly anti-corrosive coating filmmeans that the anti-corrosiveness of the rolling bodies—ever-rollingduring rotation—is heightened. The corrosion resistance of the bearingoverall is therefore improved. Further, because the anti-corrosivenessis improved, there is no need to provide a sealing element(s) forpreventing corrosion. Eliminating need for a load-imposing seal whilenonetheless improving anti-corrosiveness curtails deterioration inbearing rotational performance.

A fishing-reel bearing in terms of the second invention is the bearingset forth in the first invention, further furnished with a retainer, forretaining the rolling bodies circumferentially spaced while letting themroll, manufactured from a highly corrosion-resistant ingredient, ormanufactured of a metal material coated with a highlycorrosion-resistant coating film. In this case, the fact that theretainer contacting the rolling bodies is highly anti-corrosive meansthat there will not be retainer corrosion to interfere with the rollingof the rolling bodies.

A fishing-reel bearing in terms of the third invention is the bearingset forth in the first or second invention, wherein at least the rollingbodies are ceramic manufactures. In this case, the corrosion resistanceof at least the rolling bodies, owing to the non-corroding ceramic, isthe more highly maintained.

A fishing-reel bearing in terms of the fourth invention is the bearingset forth in the first or second invention, wherein at least the rollingbodies are stainless alloy manufactures coated with a highlycorrosion-resistant coating film. In this case, corrosion is made lesslikely, even if the highly corrosion-resistant coating film were to peeloff.

A fishing-reel bearing in terms of the fifth invention is the bearingset forth in the fourth invention, wherein the highlycorrosion-resistant coating film is formed upon refining the stainlessalloy surface. In this case, the fact that the highlycorrosion-resistant coating film is formed after processing the surfaceof the stainless alloy to refine it means that, compared with plating orcoating processes, the highly corrosion-resistant coating film is notliable to peel off. Again, carrying out a plating or coating processrisks that, depending on the accuracy of the process, afterwards theparent material will be out of round (its sphericity will be spoiled)but how true the parent material is (its sphericity) is less likely tobe harmed by the refining process.

A fishing-reel bearing in terms of the sixth invention is the bearingset forth in the fifth invention, wherein at least the rolling bodiesare low corrosion-resistant-ingredient SUS 440C manufactures. In thiscase, the corrosion resistance of the parent material is inferior, butthe parent material strength is high, which lengthens the life span ofthe bearing.

A fishing-reel component support structure in terms of the seventhinvention is a structure for supporting in a fishing reel, and lettingrotate relative to each other, a first component and a second component,and is furnished with a bearing and a sealing member. The bearing is anyset forth in inventions one through six, disposed in a position withinthe reel in which liquids from the exterior can invade. The sealingmember is disposed to the side opposite the side where liquid invadesthrough the bearing, and is a member that seals the clearance betweenthe two components. In this case, though seawater invades the bearing itis not liable to corrode, and at the same time rinse water or the likecan permeate the bearing, which facilitates washing a sea-water soiledbearing. Moreover, because the sealing member is fitted on the inwardside of the bearing, liquids will not invade deeper than that, whichprevents corrosion of the interior components.

A fishing-reel component support structure in terms of the eighthinvention is a structure for supporting in a fishing reel, and lettingrotate relative to each other, a first component and a second component,and is furnished with a bearing and a sealing member. The bearing is anyset forth in inventions one through six, disposed in a position withinthe reel in which liquids from the exterior can invade. The sealingmember is disposed to the opposite side of the rolling bodies from theliquid-invasion side, and is a member that seals the clearance betweenthe two races. In this case, though seawater invades the bearing it isnot liable to corrode, and at the same time rinse water or the like canpermeate the bearing, which facilitates washing a sea-water soiledbearing. Moreover, because the sealing member is fitted on the inwardside of the rolling bodies, liquids will not invade deeper than that,which prevents corrosion of the interior components.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is an oblique view of a dual-bearing reel in which a firstembodiment of the present invention is adapted, with a user's hand, anda rod on which the reel is mounted, shown in phantom;

FIG. 2 is an overhead view of the FIG. 1 reel;

FIG. 3 is a horizontal section view through the FIG. 2 depiction of thereel, with the handle fragmentary;

FIG. 4 is a front elevation view of the FIG. 1 reel, with the handlefragmentary;

FIG. 5 is a section view taken through V—V in FIG. 4, and seen in thedirection of the arrows;

FIG. 6 is a fragmentary view enlarged from FIG. 3 to show details ofcomponents associated with the spool shaft;

FIG. 7 is a fragmentary view enlarged from FIG. 3 to show details ofcomponents associated with the worm shaft;

FIG. 8 is a lateral view of a spinning reel in which a second embodimentof the present invention is adapted, with the bail fragmentary;

FIG. 9 is a partly in section view of the FIG. 8 reel;

FIG. 10 is a section view taken along X—X in FIG. 8 and seen in thedirection of the arrows, with the rod-mounting leg, bail and handleshaft fragmentary;

FIG. 11 is a horizontal section through a trolling reel in which a thirdembodiment of the present invention is adapted; and

FIG. 12 is a cut-away, partly in section view of a motor-mounting areain an electric reel in which a fourth embodiment of the presentinvention is adapted.

PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS OF THE PRESENT INVENTION

First Embodiment

The dual-bearing reel, in which one embodiment of the present inventionis adapted, set out in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, is a baitcasting, low-profiletype reel. The reel is furnished with: a reel body 1; a spool-crankinghandle 2 disposed sideways on the reel body 1; and a line-winding spool12 fitted rotatably and detachably/reattachably to the reel body 1interior. A star drag 3 for adjusting drag tension on the spool 12 isprovided on the handle 2 side of the reel body 1.

The handle 2 is in the form of a double handle having a plate-shapedhandle arm 2 a and grips 2 b fitted free to rotate on either end of thehandle arm 2 a. The handle arm 2 a, as shown in FIG. 3, is fixed by twoscrews 2 e to a washer 2 c, which is itself fixed non-rotatably to thetip of a handle shaft 30 by a nut 2 d. The nut 2 d is housed in andstopped against turning by the interior of the handle arm 2 a. Thisconfiguration leaves the outside face of the handle arm 2 a a smoothsurface absent of joint seams, meaning that the handle arm 2 a structureis not liable to entangle fishing line.

As shown in FIG. 3, the reel body 1 includes a frame 5, and fitted oneither side of the frame 5 a, first cover 6 a and a second cover 6 b.The reel body 1 further includes, as shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, ananterior cover 7 covering the front, and a thumb rest 8 covering theupper part.

The frame 5 includes, as shown in FIG. 3, a pair of side plates 5 a, 5 bdisposed to oppose mutually parted by a predetermined spacing, and aplurality of connectors 5 c (see FIG. 5) that connect these side plates5 a, 5 b. A mounting leg 4, made of a metal such as, e.g., stainlessalloy and extending front to rear for mounting the reel to a fishing rodR, as indicated in FIG. 4 and 5, are screwed fast to the underside twoconnectors 5 c.

To enable the spool 12 to be attached/removed, the first side cover 6 ais pivotally attached to the frame 5, whereby it can be opened off andshut onto the frame 5. The second side cover 6 b is screwed fast to theframe 5.

The anterior cover 7, as shown in FIG. 4 and FIG. 5, is set in the frontpart of the reel body 1, attached between the side plates 5 a, 5 b. Anaperture 9 is formed in the front of the anterior cover 7 between it andthe thumb rest 8 disposed above. The aperture 9 is formed lengthenedwidthwise to enable fishing line to pass through. The fact that guidering 27 c is not, however, disposed facing on the aperture 9 as isconventional in dual-bearing reels, means that the vertical height isnarrower. Upper and lower cover members 10 a, 10 b, made of a ceramicsmooth-faced with a hardener such as, e.g., silicon nitride or zirconia,are respectively fitted to the upper/lower aspects of the innerperipheral surface of the aperture 9, i.e., the frontward bottom of thethumb rest 8 and the upper surface of the anterior cover 7. The covermembers 10 a, 10 b are provided so that the aperture 9 will not bedamaged when fishing line is contacting the vertically narrow aperture9, and at the same time to make the resistance acting on the contactingfishing line smaller. Bolts fix the cover members 10 a, 10 brespectively to the thumb rest 8 and the anterior cover 7.

The thumb rest 8 is attached to the reel body 1, as shown in FIG. 1,FIG. 2 and FIG. 4, in a C-shape regarded from a planar aspect. Palmingthe reel spool is done with the thumb of the hand H (see FIG. 1) thatholds the fishing rod put on the front part 8 a of the thumb rest 8. Theupper face of the thumb rest 8 is configured with respective curvedsurfaces bending convexly upward. The height v of the thumb rest 8 frontpart 8 a from the mounting leg 4 (see FIG. 4) is lower than inconventional dual-bearing reels.

Arranged within the frame 5 are, as shown in FIG. 3: a spool 12,disposed in a direction orthogonal to the fishing rod R; a level-windmechanism 15 for winding fishing line uniformly into the spool; and aclutch lever 17 that serves as a seat for the thumb when feathering.Further, arranged in between the frame 5 and the second side cover 6 bare: a gear train 18 for transmitting torque from the handle 2 to thespool 12 and the level wind mechanism 15; a clutch device 13; a clutchconnect/disconnect mechanism 19 for engaging/disengaging the clutchdevice 13; a connect/disconnect control mechanism 20 for controllingengaging/disengaging of the clutch device 13 in response to operation ofthe clutch lever 17; a drag mechanism 21; and a casting controlmechanism 22 for adjusting resistive force on the spool 12 when itrotates. A centrifugal braking mechanism 23 for curtailing backlashduring casting is disposed, again, in between the frame 5 and the secondside cover 6 b. In this embodiment, the reel body 1 is a stationarycomponent, while the spool 12 and the gear train 18 are rotativecomponents.

The spool has a saucer-shaped flange 12 a on both ends, and includes atubular bobbin trunk 12 b in between the two flanges 12 a. The spool 12further includes a tubular boss 12 c, formed unitarily on the innercircumferential side of the bobbin trunk 12 b in essentially themid-portion axially; and a spool shaft 16 penetrates and is fastenednon-rotatably, by e.g. a serrated coupling, to the boss 12 c. Thisfastening method is not limited to a serrated coupling; various couplingmethods such as key-coupling or spline-coupling can be employed.

The spool shaft 16, as shown in FIG. 6, penetrates the side plate 5 b toextend outward from the second side cover 6 b. A ball bearing 24 a in aboss 6 c supports the extending end while leaving it to rotate. Further,a ball bearing 24 b within the centrifugal braking mechanism 23 supportsthe other end of the spool shaft 16 while leaving it to rotate. The ballbearings 24 a, 24 b include respective outer races 34 a, inner races 34b, pluralities of rolling bodies 34 c and retainers 34 d. The outer race34 a of the ball bearing 24a is fitted in a boss (one example of a firstcomponent) 6 c, and its inner race 34 b is fitted onto the spool shaft(one example of a second component) 16. The outer race 34 a of the ballbearing 24 b is fitted in a brake case (one example of a firstcomponent) 65, and its inner race 34 b is fitted onto the spool shaft(one example of a second component) 16. The rolling bodies 34 c aresteel balls, disposed circumferentially spaced and riding on the outerraces 34 a and inner races 34 b at once. The retainers 34 d retain therolling bodies 34 c circumferentially spaced while letting them roll.The outer races 34 a, inner races 34 b and rolling bodies 34c aremanufactured, for example, from SUS 440C that is of ingredients from afamily of low corrosion-resistant metals. A highly corrosion-resistantcoating film is left formed on their stainless steel surfaces by asurface-refining process serving to stabilize and strengthen a coatingfilm created by forming a film of highly corrosion resistantconcentrated chromium oxide coating the surfaces. Accordingly, therolling bodies 34 c have surfaces that are highly corrosion-resistant.The retainers 34 d are manufactured from a synthetic resin having highcorrosion resistance, such as nylon, for example. Using SUS 440C theretainers 34 d also may be made covered in a highly corrosion resistantcoating film.

Disposed in the portion of the side plate 5 b the spool shaft 16penetrates is the right end of its larger-diameter portion 16 a, towhich is fixed an engagement pin 16 b that is a constituent of theclutch device 13. The engagement pin 16 b penetrates the lager-diameterportion 16 a along a diameter thereof, with either end jutting outdiametrically.

The level wind mechanism 15, as shown in FIG. 3, includes: a guide tube25, fixed in between the pair of side plates 5 a, 5 b; a worm shaft 26rotatably supported within the guide tube 25; and a line guide 27. Inthis embodiment, the worm shaft 26 is also a rotative component.

The guide tube 25-a round tubular component the rear circumferentialsurface of which is cut out spanning its entire length-guides the lineguide 27 in the axial direction of the spool shaft 16 (directionorthogonal to the fishing rod R).

The worm shaft 26, as shown in FIG. 7, is a rod for shuttling the lineguide 27 in the axial direction of the spool shaft 16. Ball bearings 39a, 39 b in bosses 54 a, 54 b provided in the side plates 5 a, 5 brotatively carry either end of the worm shaft 26. These ball bearingsare like the above noted ball bearings 24 a, 24 b in configuration, andhave high corrosion resistance. Outward of the ball bearings 39 a, 39 b,i.e., on the sides opposite the inner sides in the liquid-invadingdirection, rubber-made sealing members 53 a, 53 b are fittedrespectively into the bosses 54 a, 54 b. The sealing members 53 a, 53 bprevent liquids invading through the ball bearings 39 a, 39 b from theinside faces of the side plates 5 a, 5 b from permeating more than thatinto the interior of the reel body 1. Fitting the sealing members 53 a,53 b in this way means that though the bearings 39 a, 39 b are washed bydousing with fresh water, the water will not invade the reel body 1interior. A gear 28 a that is a component of the gear train 18 is fixedto the end of the worm shaft 26. Further, a groove 26 a of anintersecting spiral contour is formed in the worm shaft 26.

The line guide 27, as shown in FIG. 5, includes: a guide body 27 a; aninterlocking pin 27 b fitted free to rotate in the guide body 27 a; anda guide ring 27 c disposed projecting upward on top of the guide body 27a. A U-shaped through-hole that the guide tube 25 penetrates is formedin the guide body 27 a, parallel with the spool shaft 16; the guide body27 a is supported while left to shift axially on the guide tube 25. Theinterlocking pin 27 b is disposed running roughly front-to-rear on thehind portion of the guide body 27 a, and its tip interlocks with thegroove 26 a on the worm shaft 26. Under rotation of the worm shaft 26,the interlocking pin 27 b rotates along the groove 26 a, shuttling theguide body 27 a. The guide ring 27 c is formed by bending a wire madeof, e.g., a stainless alloy into hairpin shape with a convex top,forming an elongate hole on the inner peripheral side. The guide ring 27c is fixed into the guide body 27 a with its rear end planted into theupper face on the hind portion thereof. The surface of the guide ring 27c is coated with, e.g., a metal such as titanium nitride, or with aceramic such as SiC; making the surface smooth and hard. Now, the guiderings 27 c is disposed in between the aperture 9 and the spool 12,adjacent the spool 12. The upper portion of the guide ring 27 c isguided parallel to the spool shaft 16 by a guide rod 25 a in the lowerportion of which a guide groove is formed. The guide rod 25 a isdisposed above the guide tube 25, and parallel with the guide tube 25,and its two ends are fixed to the side plates 5 a, 5 b. Thus arranging aguide ring 27 c tall in standing height adjacent the spool 12, lowersthe height H of the front part 8 a of the thumb rest 8, whichfacilitates palming.

Within the level wind mechanism 15, rotating the worm shaft 26 via thegear train 18 shuttles the line guide 27 along the guide tube 25. Byinserting fishing line through the guide ring 27 c on the line guide 27,the fishing line is wound uniformly onto the spool 12.

The gear train 18 includes: the handle shaft 30; a main gear 31 fixed tothe handle shaft 30; a tubular pinion gear 32 that meshes with the maingear 31; a gear 28 a fixed to the end of the earlier described wormshaft 26; and a gear 28 b that is fixed non-rotatably to the handleshaft 30, and that meshes with the gear 28 a. Because the height of thethumb rest 8 is lower, the vertical position of the handle shaft 30 ingear train 18 is in a lower than conventional position. Therefore, thebottom portion of the side plate 5 b and second side cover 6 b, whichhouse the gear train 18, is positioned lower than the bottom of the sideplate 5 a and the first side cover 6 a. The tip of the handle shaft 30is reduced in diameter, and a parallel chamfered portion 30 a and amale-threaded portion 30 b are formed respectively on the largerdiameter portion and the smaller diameter portion of the tip.

A ball bearing 57 in the side plate 5 a supports the base end of thehandle shaft 30 (FIG. 3 left end). The ball bearing 57 has, likewise asin the foregoing, high corrosion resistance. A sealing member 58 isdisposed on the FIG. -6 right side of the ball bearing 57. This sealingmember 58 is like the sealing members 53 a, 53 b in configuration,meaning that though the ball bearing 57 is washed with fresh water, thefresh water is not liable to invade the interior.

The pinion gear 32 as shown in FIG. 6 extends inward from the outsidethe side plate 5 b, and is a tubular component whose center the spool 16penetrates and is allowed axial movement fitted to the spool shaft 16.Further, a bearing 43 in the side plate 5 b rotatively carries the FIG.-6 left end of the pinion gear 32 while allowing it axial movement. Theball bearing 43 in configuration is similar to the foregoing. A sealingmember 59 is fitted on the FIG. -6 right side, i.e., the opposite sidefrom the liquid-invasion side, of the ball bearing 43.

The pinion gear 32 has: a toothed portion 32 a, formed on the FIG. -6right end outer periphery, that tooths with the main gear 31; a meshingportion 32 b formed on the other end; and a constriction 32 c formed inbetween the toothed portion 32 a and the meshing portion 32 b. Formedalong a diameter in the end face of the pinion gear 32 is notch, makingup the meshing portion 32 b, into which the engagement pin 16 bpenetrating and fixed to the spool shaft 16 is interlocked. Herein, whenthe pinion gear 32 is shifted outward, separating the meshing portion 32b and the engagement pin 16 b on the spool shaft 16, torque from thehandle 30 will not be transmitted to the spool 12. The meshing portion32 b and the engagement pin 16 b compose the clutch device 13. Directtransmission of torque from the pinion gear 32—larger in diameter thanthe spool shaft 16—to the spool shaft 16, by engagement of theengagement pin 16 b and the meshing portion 32 b, lessens twistingdeformation, and improves torque transmission efficiency.

The clutch lever 17, as shown in FIG. 2, is disposed in the rear betweenthe pair of side plates 5 a, 5 b. Elongate holes (not illustrated) areformed in the side plates 5 a, 5 b on the frame 5, and a rotation shaft17 a for the clutch lever 17 is rotatively carried in the elongateholes. This enables the clutch lever 17 to slide up and down along theelongate holes.

The clutch connect/disconnect mechanism 19 has, as shown in FIG. 3, aclutch yoke 40. The clutch yoke 40 is disposed about the outer peripheryof the spool shaft 16, and is carried, while left movable parallel tothe center axis of the spool shaft 16, on two pins 41 (only that on oneside is illustrated). Now, the spool shaft 16 is rotatable relative tothe clutch yoke 40. That is, the clutch yoke 40 is made not to rotateeven though the spool shaft 16 rotates. Further, in its central portionthe clutch yoke 40 has an engaging portion 40 a that engages with theconstriction 32 c in the pinion gear 32. Also, a spring 42 is disposedperipherally about each of the pins 41 carrying the clutch yoke 40, inbetween the clutch yoke 40 and the second side cover 6 b. The clutchyoke 40 is constantly urged inward by the springs 42.

The configuration thus, in the ordinary state, in which the pinion gear32 is located in the inward, clutch-engagement position, will beclutch-on by engagement of the meshing portion 32 b and the engagementpin 16 b on the spool shaft 16. On the other hand, when the pinion gear32 is shifted outward by the clutch yoke 40, engagement of the meshingportion 32 b and the engagement pin 16 b comes undone, putting theclutch connect/disconnect mechanism 19 into clutch-off.

The drag mechanism 21 includes: the star drag 3 for a drag-tensionadjusting operation; a friction plate 45 on which the main gear 31presses; and a pressing plate 46 for pressing, under rotational workingof the star drag 3, the friction plate 45 with predetermined force onthe main gear 31. The star drag 3 is configured to issue sound whenrotationally worked.

The casting control mechanism 22, as shown in FIG. 3, includes: aplurality of friction plates 51, disposed to straddle either end of thespool shaft 16; and a braking cap 52 for regulating the force with whichthe friction plates 51 grasp the spool shaft 16. The friction plates 51on the right side are fitted within the braking cap 52; the frictionplates 51 on the left side are fitted within the brake case 65. Thebraking cap 52 is configured to issue sound when rotationally worked.

The centrifugal braking mechanism 23, as shown in FIG. 3, includes: thebrake case 65; a rotor 66 provided within the brake case 65; and sliders67 disposed circumferentially spaced, and fitted free to shiftdiametrically, on the rotor 66. A tubular brake liner 65, with which thesliders 67 can come into contact, is fixed to the inner circumferentialsurface of the brake case 65. The brake case 65 is fitted to let it beattached to/removed from a round opening 5 d formed in the side plate 5a, and pivots together with the first side cover 6 a.

Next, the reel operating method will be explained.

In the ordinary state, the clutch yoke 40 is pushed inward (FIG. -3leftward) by the springs 42, and the pinion gear 32 is thereby shiftedinto the engagement position. In this state, the meshing portion 32 b ofthe pinion gear 32 and the engagement pin 16 b on the spool shaft 16mesh, making the state CLUTCH-ON; and torque from the handle 2 istransmitted to the spool 12 via the handle shaft 30, the main gear 31,the pinion gear 32, and the spool shaft 16, which rotates the spool 12in the line-retrieving direction.

When casting, the braking force is adjusted in order to suppressbacklash. Herein, adjusting the braking force to correspond to the massof, for example, the lure (terminal tackle) is desirable. Specifically,if the mass of the lure is large, the braking force is set large, and ifsmall is set small. Adjustment of the braking force in order to suppressbacklash is carried out with the casting control mechanism 22 or thecentrifugal braking mechanism 23.

After the braking force is adjusted, the clutch lever 17 is presseddown. Herein, the clutch lever 17 shifts downward along the elongateholes in the side plates 5 a, 5 b into the separating position. Then,the movement of the clutch lever 17 shifts the clutch yoke 40 outward,which shifts in the same direction the pinion gear 32 engaged with theclutch yoke 40. Consequently, the engagement between the meshing portion32 b of the pinion gear 32 and the engagement pin 16 b on the spoolshaft 16 comes undone, making the state CLUTCH-OFF. In the CLUTCH-OFFstate, rotation from the handle shaft 30 is transmitted to neither thespool 12 nor the spool shaft 16, leaving the spool 12 in afree-rotational state.

With the reel in the CLUTCH-OFF state, while feathering the spool 12with the thumb placed on the clutch lever 17, tilting the reel in itsaxial direction so that the spool shaft 16 lies in a perpendicularplane, and flicking the fishing rod, casts the lure and rotates thespool 12 in the line reel-out direction.

In this state as such, the rotating spool 12 rotates the spool shaft 16in the line reel-out direction, and the rotation is transmitted to therotor 66. When the rotor 66 rotates the sliders 67 slide into contactwith the brake liner 65 a, and the spool shaft 12 is braked by thecentrifugal braking mechanism 23. Simultaneously, the casting controlmechanism 22 brakes the spool shaft 16, which prevents backlash.

When the terminal tackle lands in the water, the handle 2 is turned. Anot-illustrated return mechanism thus puts the state to CLUTCH-ON. Inthis state, retrieving is repeated, for example, in waiting for a fishto strike. When a fish bites, the handle 2 is rotated to wind in thefishing line. In this situation, the need to adjust the drag forcesometimes arises depending on the size of fish. In that case, the stardrag 3 is turned clockwise or counterclockwise to adjust the drag force.

Herein, with regard to the ball bearings disposed in positions in whichliquids from the exterior invade, because sealing members are disposedon their inner sides (the sides opposite the liquid-invasion sides),though the bearings are washed with fresh water, the rinsing liquid willnot enter the reel body 1 interior, which prevents corrosion of theinterior sections of the reel body 1. Further, that fact thatcorrosion-resisting capability of the bearings themselves is raisedmeans that bearings are not liable to corrode. Further still, the factthat the corrosion resistance of the ball bearings 24 a, 24 b—which incarrying the spool 16 require special rotational performance—alone isimproved without providing them with sealing members, curbs degradationin their rotational performance.

Second Embodiment

The present invention, which in the foregoing first embodiment wasillustrated by giving an example in a dual-bearing reel as a fishingreel, is yet applicable to other fishing reels such as spinning reels.

Set out in FIG. 8, a spinning reel into which one embodiment of thepresent invention is adopted is furnished with a handle 101, a reel unit102 rotatively carrying the handle 101, a rotor 103, and a spool 104.The rotor 103 is rotatively supported on the front of the reel unit 102.The spool 104, onto the circumferential surface of which fishing line isretrieved, is disposed on the front of the rotor 104 so as to beshiftable front and rear. In this embodiment, the reel unit 102functions as a stationary component, while the rotor 103 functions as arotative component.

The handle 101, as shown in Fig 8 and FIG. 9, includes: a T-shaped grip101 a; an L-shaped crank arm 101 b, to the tip of which the grip 101 ais rotatively fitted; and a shaft part 101 c that is fitted to thebase-end of the crank arm 101 b. At the base end, the crank arm 101 b iscollapsible with a single touch. The shaft part 101 c, as shown in FIG.9, is a rod-shaped member rectangular in cross section. Now, the handle101 is attachable to the reel unit 102 in either of left/rightattachment locations: the right location shown in FIG. 8, or the leftlocation shown in FIG. 10.

The reel unit 102 includes: a reel body 102 a having a later opening 102c; a T-shaped rod-attachment leg 102 b extending unitarily from the reelbody 102 a diagonally up/forward; and a lid body 102 d for shutting theopening 102 c in the reel body 102 a.

The reel body 102 a, as shown in FIG. 9, has an interior space; providedwithin the space are: a rotor driving mechanism 105 that is rotated incooperation with rotation of the handle 101; and an oscillatingmechanism 106 for winding fishing line uniformly onto the spool 104 bypumping it back and forth.

As shown in FIG. 10, a tubular boss 117 a is formed on the FIG. -10right side of the reel body 102 a. The boss 117 a is formed projectinginward of the reel body 102 a in order to house a ball bearing 116 athat carries a handle shaft 110 (later described) on its FIG. -10 rightend. The boss on the side opposite the side on which the handle 101 ismounted (the boss 117 a in FIG. 10), is closed off by a shaft cover 119.A bored cover 119 b prevents water from invading a boss on the side intowhich the handle 101 is fitted (boss 117 b in FIG. 10). The shaft cover119, as shown in FIG. 8, and the bored cover 119 b are ellipticalcomponents, and are attached to the bosses respectively by two screws119 a. The ball bearings 116 a, 116 b are, likewise as in the foregoing,highly corrosion resistant. Nevertheless, sealing members are notprovided on the sides opposite the liquid-invasion sides (inward of theball bearings). This is in order that the reel unit 102 interior,including the bearings 116 a, 116 b, may be washed with fresh water byopening the shaft cover 119 and the drilled cover 119 b.

The fact that the ball bearings 116 a, 116 b are highly corrosionresistant means that though washed in this way, they are not liable tocorrode.

The rotor driving mechanism 105 includes: the handle shaft 110, to whichthe handle 101 is non-rotatably fitted; a face gear 111 that rotatestogether with the handle shaft 110; and a pinion gear 112 that mesheswith the face gear 111. Either end of the handle shaft 110 is rotativelysupported in the reel body 102 a via the ball bearings 116 a, 116 b. Athrough-hole 110 a, rectangular in cross-section, is formed in themiddle of the 20 handle shaft 110, and the shaft part 101 c to thehandle 101 is inserted non-rotatably into the through-hole 110 a. Atapped hole 101 d is formed in tip-end face of the shaft part 101 c, andthe handle 101 is attached to the handle shaft 110 by an installationscrew 120 that screw-mates with the tapped hole 101 d.

The pinion gear 112 is formed in a tubular shape, and as shown in FIG. 9its front portion 112 a penetrates the center of the rotor 103 and isonto which the rotor 103 is fastened by a nut 113. The pinion gear 112is rotatively supported, at its mid-portion and rear-end portionaxially, in the reel unit 102 via respective ball bearings 114 a, 114 b.The ball bearings 114 a, 114 b are, likewise as in the foregoing, highlycorrosion resistant.

The oscillating mechanism 106 is a device for shifting in thefront-to-rear direction a spool shaft 115 coupled via a drag mechanism160 to the center of the spool 104, to shift the spool 104 in the samedirection. The oscillating mechanism 106 includes: a worm shaft 121disposed approximately directly beneath and parallel to the spool shaft115; a slider 122 that shifts in the front-to-rear direction along theworm shaft; and an intermediate gear 123 fixed to the tip of the wormshaft 121. The rear end of the spool shaft 115 in non-rotatably fixed tothe slider 122. The intermediate gear 123 meshes with pinion gear 112,such that rotation of the pinion gear 112 is transmitted to the wormshaft 121. In this embodiment, the handle shaft 110, the face gear 111,the worm shaft 121, the pinion gear 112, the rotor 103, and the spool104 function as rotative components, while the spool shaft 115 functionsas a stationary component.

The rotor 103, as shown in FIG. 9, has a round tube portion 130, andfirst and second rotor arms 131, 132 that are provided opposing eachother sideways on the round tube portion 130. The round tube portion 130and the two rotor arms 131, 132 are, e.g., manufactured from aluminumalloy and formed unitarily.

A front wall 133 is formed on the front of the round tub portion 130,and a boss 133 a is formed in the middle of the front wall 133. Athrough-hole is formed in the center of the boss 133 a, and thepinion-gear front portion 112 a and the spool shaft 115 penetrate thethrough-hole. The nut 113 is disposed on the front wall 133, and a ballbearing 135 that rotatively carries the spool shaft 115 is disposedwithin the nut 113. The ball bearing 135 is, likewise as in theforegoing, highly corrosion resistant.

A first bail-support member 140 is pivotally fitted onto the outerperipheral side of the tip of the first rotor arm 131. The firstbail-support member 140 is installed on the first rotor arm 131 by meansof an installation pin screwed into the first rotor arm 131. A lineroller 141 for guiding fishing line onto the spool 104, and astationary-shaft cover 147 fixed astride the line roller 141 to thefirst bail-support member 140, are fitted to the tip of the first bailsupport member 140. The line roller 141 is rotatively fitted to the tipof the first bail-support member 140. The stationary-shaft cover 147 isshaped as a distorted cone with a sharp tip.

A bail 143 bent into roughly a U-shaped form from a wire element isfixed between the tip of the stationary-shaft cover 147 and the secondbail arm 142. The first and second bail-support members 140, 142, theline roller 141, the bail 143, and the stationary-shaft cover 147constitute a bail arm 144 that guides fishing line onto the spool 104.The bail arm 144 is pivotal between a line-guiding posture, shown inFIG. 9, and a reversed, line-releasing posture.

A cover 145 is fitted to the outer peripheral side of the firstbail-support arm 140; and a bail-flipping mechanism 146 that returns thebail arm 144 from the line-releasing posture to the line-guiding posturein cooperation with rotation of the rotor 103, and at the same timeretains the attitudes in either posture, is disposed in the cover 145interior.

An anti-reverse mechanism 150 for prohibiting/allowing reversal of therotor 103 is disposed in the interior of the round tub portion 130 ofthe rotor 103. The anti-reverse mechanism 150 includes a roller-typeone-way clutch 151 whose inner race is free-rotating, and a switchingdevice 152 that switches the one-way clutch 151 between an operationalstate (reverse-prohibited state) and an inoperative state(reverse-permitted state).

The spool 104 is disposed in between the first and second rotor arms131, 132 on the rotor 103, and is fitted on the leading end of the spoolshaft 115 via a drag mechanism 160. The spool 104 includes: a bobbintrunk 104 a, outer circumferentially onto which fishing line is wound; askirt 104, formed unitarily with the rear of the bobbin trunk 104 a; anda flange plate 104, fixed to the front end of the bobbin trunk 104 a.The outer circumferential face of the bobbin trunk 104 a, a straightcylindrical component, is constructed to have a peripheral surfaceparallel to the spool shaft 115. The bobbin trunk 104 a is rotativelyfitted onto the spool shaft 115 on two bearings 156, 157. The ballbearing 156, 157 are, likewise as in the foregoing, highly corrosionresistant. The flange plate 104 c is fixed to the bobbin trunk 104 a bymeans of a spool ring collar 155 screwed fast to the innercircumferential surface of the bobbin trunk 104 a.

Next, handling and operation of the spinning reel will be explained.

When casting, with the handle 101 being fitted in, e.g., the leftposition that FIG. 10 shows, the bail arm 144 is flipped into theline-releasing posture. The first bail-support member 140 and the secondbail-support member 142 accordingly pivot.

In this situation, the fishing rod is cast with the index finger of thehand that grips the fishing rod hooking the fishing line. Doing sovigorously casts the fishing line out under the weight of the terminaltackle. At this point, rotating the handle 101 in the line-retrievingdirection with, e.g., the left hand, via the rotor driving mechanism 105rotates the rotor 103 in the line-retrieving direction, and via thebail-flipping mechanism 146 returns the bail arm 144 into theline-retrieving position, winding the fishing line onto the spool 104.

Rotating the handle 101 in the line-retrieving direction rotates,through the face gear 111 and the pinion gear 112, the rotor 103 in theline-retrieving direction, and winds the fishing line, guided by thebail arm 144, onto the spool 104. The fact that a seal is not providedon the handle shaft 110 means that rotational performance of the handleshaft 110 is not liable to deteriorate. Therefore, rotating the handle101 lets the rotor 103 be rotated with light force.

When washing, the shaft cover 119 and the bored cover 119 a are undone,and the handle 101 furthermore is undone. Then, through the center holesin the inner races of the bearings 116 a, 116 b, fresh water isintroduced into the reel unit 102 interior to rinse it. Finally, thewater is drained from the interior, which is further wiped out and thendried. Herein, the fact that the bearings are made highly resistant tocorrosion means that though they are washed with fresh water, they arenot apt to corrode.

Third Embodiment

Set out in FIG. 11, a trolling reel into which a third embodiment of thepresent invention is adopted is composed of: a tubular reel unit 201; aspool shaft 202 fitted, non-rotatably but allowed axial travel, in thecenter of the reel unit 201; a spool 203 fixed, free to rotate butaxially immobilized, on the spool shaft 202; and a handle 204 disposedsideways on the reel unit 201. In the interior of the reel unit 201, thetrolling reel is further furnished with a gear change-speed mechanism206 that transmits handle 204 rotation to the spool 203, and a dragmechanism 207 that brakes the spool 203. In this embodiment, the reelunit 201 and the spool shaft 202 function as the stationary components,while the spool 203, the handle 204, and the drag mechanism 207 functionas rotative components.

The reel unit 201 has a disk-shaped side plate 210, and a reel body 211,onto which the side plate 210 is coupled coaxially through a faucetjoint, and fixed by screws. The spool shaft 202 is supported endwise, tobe non-rotatable yet axially movable, by the side plate 210 in about thecenter thereof. In a hole in the center, an interlock groove 210 b isformed, into which an interlocking pin 202 a, which is formed juttingoutward on the one end of the spool shaft 202, interlocks. The spoolshaft 202 is made non-rotatable with respect to the reel unit 201 by theengagement of the interlocking pin 202 a and the interlock groove 210 b.

The reel body 211 is a closed-ended cylindrical component formed in onepiece from synthetic resin or die-cast aluminum. The reel body 211includes: a ring-shaped fastening portion 211 a, to which the side plate210 is fixed; a disk-shaped support portion 211 b, disposed opposing andparted at a spacing from the fastening portion 211 a, for supporting ahandle shaft 205; and connecting portions 211 c that link the fasteningportion 211 a and the support portion 211 b in four placescircumferentially. The support portion 211 b has: a first boss 211 dthat supports, axially movably, the other end of the spool shaft 202, inthe mid-portion thereof; and a second boss 211 e that is provided belowthe first boss 211 d and rotatively supports the handle 205. Further, abulged portion 211 f, bulging diametrically in order to house the gearmechanism 206, is formed in the lower part of the support portion 211 b.

Harness lugs 212 for attaching a reel harness are mounted spaced-aparton the upper of the connecting portions 211 c, and on the lower thereofa rod attachment part 213, for mounting the reel onto a fishing rod, isprovided.

The spool shaft 202 rotatively carries the spool 203 via two ballbearings 232 disposed at an axial spacing. The ball bearings 232 have,likewise as in the foregoing, high corrosion resistance. Bellevillewashers 233 abut on the left side of the ball bearing 232 at the leftend of the spool shaft 232. Further, a coil spring 238, which urges thespool shaft 202 contrariwise to the handle 204, abuts on the right sideof the right-end ball bearing 232.

The spool 203 includes a trunk 203, and a pair of flanges 203 b formedintegrally with the trunk 203 a at either end. A sounding sprocket 235is provided on the end face of the flange 203 b on the left side. Anengagement pawl 236, supported on a C-shaped spring element 237installed on the side plate 210, engages with the sounding sprocket 235,and thereby a clicking sound is produced when the spool 203 rotates.

A friction plate 226 that is a component of the drag mechanism 207 isnon-counter-rotatably fixed to the end face of the flange 203 b on theright side of the spool 203.

The handle 204 is fixed to the protruding end of the tubular handleshaft 205 disposed below the spool shaft 202, and parallel with thespool shaft 202. The handle shaft 205 is rotatively supported in thereel body 211 by the second boss 211 e.

The gear change-speed mechanism 206, gearing up/down between either oftwo speeds, transmits rotation of the handle shaft 205 to the dragmechanism 207.

The drag mechanism 207 includes: the just-noted friction plate 226; adrag disk 227 that compressively contacts the friction plate 226; and adrag operating mechanism 214 that axially shifts the spool shaft 202together with the spool 203.

The drag disk is furnished with a disk body 227 a for compressivelycontacting the friction plate 226, and a transmission member 228 fittednon-rotatably into the inner rim of the disk body 227 a. Thetransmission member 228 is coupled to, and rotates together with, thegear mechanism 206. The drag cover 224 covers by the drag disk 227. Theinner peripheral margin of the drag cover 224 is disposed about theouter periphery of the transmission member 228; and the outer peripheralmargin screws into, the flange 203 b on the right side of the spool 202,where it is fastened with a packing 223 intervening. A ball bearing 221on the spool shaft 202 rotatively carries the transmission member 228.The ball bearing 221 is, likewise as in the foregoing, highly corrosionresistant.

The drag operating mechanism 214 includes: a rotary knob 230, retainedon the end of the spool shaft 202 on the handle 204 side by astop-screw; a cam body 229 that abuts on the rotary knob 230; and a draglever 231 disposed in between the cam body 229 and the end face of thefirst boss 211 d on the reel body 211. The cam body 229 is disposedcoaxial with the spool shaft 202, and a cam face 229 a on which the draglever 231 rides is formed on the side opposite its face abutting on therotary knob 230. The drag lever is pivotally supported in the first boss211 d, and the surface that rides on the cam face 229 a forms a cam face231 a. These cam faces 229 a, 231 a form an inline type configuration;and pivoting the drag lever 231 slides the spool shaft 202 axially withrespect to the reel unit 201.

Next, a method of operating the trolling reel described above will beexplained.

In regulating the friction force from the drag mechanism 207, the axialposition of the spool shaft 202 is set into an appropriate position bymeans of the rotary knob 230. If by working the drag lever 231 the spoolshaft 202 is shifted, for example, toward the handle 204, the frictionforce will be increased as a result of the spool 203 shifting toward thedrag disk 227. Conversely, if the spool shaft 202 is shifted oppositethe handle 204, the friction force will be decreased as a result of thespool 203 shifting in the direction parting from the drag disk 227. Whenthe friction plate 226 on the spool 203 is then completely parted fromthe drag disk 227, the spool 203 is permitted to reverse.

Herein, the fact that the ball bearings are made to have high resistanceto corrosion sustains their rotational performance and improves theircorrosion resistance.

Fourth Embodiment

Set out in FIG. 12, an electric reel motor 243 into which a fourthembodiment of the present invention is adopted is fitted at the endopposite the output shaft into a reel body 240 with a motor case 250intervening. The motor case 250 is disposed in the interior of a spool242. A ball bearing 251 is disposed in between the motor case 250 andthe spool 242. A sealing member 252 is fitted on the side of the bearing251 opposite (FIG. -12 right side) the side through which liquidsinvade. The sealing member 252 is configured likewise as those fitted tothe worm shaft 26 in Embodiment 1.

In this way, sealing the bearing that supports the electric reel motor,with the sealing member 252 fitted on the side thereof that is oppositethe side through which liquids invade, makes the bearing washable, whilepreventing damage to the motor.

Other Embodiments

(a) In the foregoing embodiments, examples in a bait reel, a front-dragtype spinning reel, a lever-drag type dual-bearing reel, and an electricreel were illustrated, but the present invention is not limited to thesereels, and may be applied to all fishing reels, such as other models ofspinning reels including lever-brake spinning reels, other dual-bearingreels including dual-bearing reels that come with counters, andsingle-bearing (cantilevered) reels. Reels used in ocean fishing areespecially appropriate.

(b) In the foregoing embodiments, the ball bearing outer races, innerraces, and rolling bodies are constituted by SUS 440C on which a highlycorrosion resistant coating film is formed, which lends high corrosionresistance to the bearings overall, but at least the rolling bodiesalone may be made highly corrosion resistant. Further, in addition tothe rolling bodies, only that outer race or inner race that is therotational side may be made highly corrosion resistant. Further still,the retainers may be made corrosion resistant.

(c) In the foregoing embodiments, the highly corrosion resistant coatingfilm is produced, but the parent material itself may be made highlycorrosion resistant without production of the highly corrosion resistantcoating film. For example, the parent material may be manufactured fromceramics having high corrosion resistance, such as alumina ceramics andSiC ceramics; or manufactured from stainless steels having highcorrosion resistance, such as SUS 304, 316 or 630; or manufactured frommetals having high corrosion resistance, such as titanium and boron.

(d) In the foregoing embodiments, examples with ball bearings as theantifriction bearings were illustrated, but the present invention may beapplied to parallel roller bearings, needle bearings, and other modelsof antifriction bearings for is all types of fishing reels. It isfurther applicable to roller-type one-way clutches that serve also asantifriction bearings.

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY

Under the invention mainly, the fact that at least the rolling bodiesare manufactured with a highly corrosion resistant ingredient or elseare metal manufactures coated with a highly corrosion resistant coatingfilm means that the anti-corrosiveness of the rollingbodies—ever-rolling during rotation—is heightened. The corrosionresistance of the bearing overall is therefore improved. Further,because the corrosion resistance is improved, there is no need toprovide sealing members for preventing corrosion. Eliminating need for aload-imposing seal while nonetheless improving anti-corrosivenesscurtails deterioration in bearing rotational performance.

Under the invention otherwise, the bearings are not apt to corrode,despite sea water invading; meanwhile, rinse water or the like canpermeate the bearings, which facilitates washing sea-water soiledbearings. Moreover, because the sealing members are fitted on the inwardside of the bearings, liquids will not invade deeper than that, whichprevents corrosion of the interior components.

1. A fishing-reel bearing for use in a fishing reel provided between afirst component and a second component that is disposed to acircumferentially inner side of the first component and is rotatablerelative to the first component in response to rotation of a handle ofthe fishing reel, the fishing-reel bearing comprising: an outer racefitted to the first component; an inner race fitted to the secondcomponent and is disposed spaced apart from the outer race; and aplurality of rolling bodies disposed circumferentially between the outerand inner races so as to contact both the outer and inner races, atleast the rolling bodies being stainless alloy manufactures coated witha highly corrosion resistant film that is formed by refining a surfaceof the stainless alloy.
 2. A fishing-reel bearing as set forth in claim1, further comprising a retainer for retaining the rolling bodiescircumferentially spaced such that the rolling bodies can roll, saidretainer having a surface that is highly corrosion-resistant.
 3. Afishing-reel bearing as set forth in claim 2, wherein the retainer ismanufactured of a metal material and coated with a highlycorrosion-resistant coating film.
 4. A fishing-reel bearing as set forthin claim 1, wherein at least the rolling bodies are SUS 440C (JIS)manufactures having low corrosion-resistance ingredients.
 5. Afishing-reel bearing as set forth in claim 1, wherein the highlycorrosion resistant film is made of chromium oxide.
 6. A fishing-reelbearing as set forth in claim 1, wherein the outer race and inner racehave surfaces that are highly corrosion-resistant.
 7. A fishing-reelbearing as set forth in claim 1, further comprising a sealing memberdisposed on a side of the bearing closer to the handle, the sealingmember being for sealing a gap between the outer and inner races.
 8. Afishing reel, comprising a handle; a stationary component; a rotativecomponent disposed opposite the stationary component so as to berotatable relative to the stationary component, the rotative componentbeing rotatable in response to rotation of the handle; and a bearingdisposed between the stationary component and the rotative component,the bearing including an outer race fitted to one of the stationary androtative components, an inner race fitted to the other of the stationaryand rotataive components and disposed spaced apart from the outer race,and a plurality of rolling bodies disposed circumferentially between theouter and inner races so as to contact both the outer and inner races,at least the rolling bodies being stainless alloy manufactures coatedwith a highly corrosion resistant film that is formed by refining asurface of the stainless alloy.
 9. A fishing reel as set forth in claim8, further comprising a sealing member disposed on a side of the bearingcloser to the handle, the sealing member being for sealing a gap betweenthe outer and inner races.
 10. A fishing reel as set forth in claim 9,wherein the sealing member seals a gap between the stationary androtative components.
 11. A fishing reel as set forth in claim 8, furthercomprising a retainer for retaining the rolling bodies circumferentiallyspaced such that the rolling bodies can roll, said retainer having asurface that is highly corrosion-resistant.
 12. A fishing-reel as setforth in claim 11, wherein the retainer is manufactured of a metalmaterial and coated with a highly corrosion-resistant coating film. 13.A fishing-reel as set forth in claim 8, wherein at least the rollingbodies are SUS 440C (JIS) manufactures having low corrosion-resistanceingredients.
 14. A fishing-reel as set forth in claim 8, wherein thehighly corrosion-resistant film is made of chromium oxide.
 15. Afishing-reel as set forth in claim 8, wherein the stationary componentincludes a reel body to which the handle is disposed sideways, and aspool shaft, and the rotative component includes a line-winding spoolfitted rotatably and detachably/reattachably to the reel body so as tobe rotatable about the spool shaft, a worm gear rotatably supportedwithin the reel body, and a gear train that transmits torque from thehandle to the spool and the worm gear.
 16. A fishing-reel as set forthin claim 15, wherein the outer race is fitted to the reel body, and theinner race is fitted to the gear train.
 17. A fishing-reel as set forthin claim 15, wherein the outer race is fitted to the spool, and theinner race is fitted to the spool shaft.
 18. A fishing-reel as set forthin claim 15, wherein the spool is rotated by an electric reel motor. 19.A fishing-reel as set forth in claim 8, wherein the stationary componentincludes a reel unit rotatively carrying the handle and a spool shaft,and the rotative component includes a handle shaft to which the handleis non-rotatably fitted, a face gear that rotates together with thehandle shaft, a pinion gear that meshes with the face gear, a worm shaftto which rotation of the handle is transmitted, a rotor rotativelysupported on a front of the reel unit, and a spool, onto acircumferential surface of which fishing line is retrieved, the spoolbeing disposed on a front of the rotor such that the spool shaft shiftsthe spool front and rear.
 20. A fishing-reel as set forth in claim 19,wherein the outer race is fitted to the spool, and the inner race isfitted to the spool shaft.
 21. A fishing-reel as set forth in claim 19,wherein the outer race is fitted to the reel body, and the inner race isfitted to the pinion gear.